Ausdance Queensland

Ausdance Queensland forms a vital link in the Australian Dance Council’s national network and is also able to provide a uniquely integrated conduit for the Queensland dance community which enables access and participation in projects and initiatives of national significance.

Ausdance Queensland is the State’s peak body representing the interests of all sectors of Queensland’s diverse and decentralised dance community. The association was established in 1992 and provides a professional advocacy and industry development nexus for Queensland dance. This core function is supported by strong local, regional, national and international networks.

As the professional service organisation for dance in Queensland, the association helps to build the capacity of the professional, community, educational and recreational sectors of the State’s dance industry. It works to bring recognition to the many roles that dance plays in the cultural life of Queensland, and to maximise the opportunities and potential presented by the form and its practitioners. This work is inclusive of contemporary and traditional artistic practice, cultural maintenance, community development, audience engagement and education.

Our services and programs are developed in alignment to government priorities and in close consultation with the sector to address the needs of dance companies, independent artists, community dance practitioners, youth and emerging artists, educators (institutional and community), and individuals, as well as the broader community. In turn, the association is endorsed by the sector to act as its primary advocate and advisory representative in the development of government policy, the review and implementation of sector planning and identification of strategic industry initiatives.

To strengthen the cohesiveness of the Queensland dance community, Ausdance Queensland connects all sectors of that community, offering and providing information, professional development and consultancy services equitably, according to need and interest.

Building dance futures in Queensland – What it means

Building futures is about investing in development; to initiate products with a view to the long-term dividends rather than the short-term gains. This is what Ausdance Queensland does within the context of dance.

Ausdance Queensland is committed to supporting the dance sector to develop and thrive within an environment where new ideas can flourish; where artists can continue to explore and excel; where communities can see and participate in dance; where dance is an integral part of every young person’s education; and where dance artists can pursue sustainable careers within the sector.

To achieve this, we work closely with our major funding bodies Arts Queensland and the Australia Council; and with Ausdance National; and we partner with a diverse range of presenters, venues, dance companies, artists and dance makers, festivals and event producers, national and international dance peak bodies, cultural institutions, and other arts and community agencies across the three levels of government.

The policy contexts and priorities which guide this strategic development are clearly defined through the Ausdance/Australia Council’s Dance Plan 2012; the Arts Queensland Industry Sector Development Plans 2007-09; Horizons - the Youth Arts Sector strategic plan; Young People and the Arts Policy; the Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Arts Strategy 2009-2010 and emerging regional arts strategies.